Usually you like to be a woman about yours; but some people you just have to cut off with a quickness. If you’ve been dealing with a smooth talking, pipe-laying man whore, why even set yourself up for failure? You’re not strong enough so send that Dear John letter in a 160 characters. A text message. A quick SMS will get your message across, but for optimum success you have to follow these rules.

1. Be clear and assertive
You want him to get the message so this is not a time to spare feelings. It’s time to get cut throat, gutta, ruthless if you will. It’s very easy to misinterpret the tone written word, so make sure you leave no room for error. You want him to know you’re serious. So instead of using punk phrases like “I think we might need to take a break.” for a more “We’re done. No this isn’t a joke.” approach.

2. Don’t get sucked into another conversation
Once you’ve sent your message, recognize that it won’t be the end of the conversation. He’ll wonder why, what he can do to make it better all of that stuff he should have been thinking about long before now. Remain firm and don’t get into a conversation that isn’t on your agenda. If you’re at the text message break up stage the relationship is irreparable.

3. No LOL’s, smiley faces, or any other door-opening punctuation
This is not a Trey Songz jam! Even if you want to remain friends with ole boy afterward this is not the time to make that known. Otherwise he’ll just take it as a possibility that he could still weasel his way back in and that’s not happening. Make sure you don’t employ the ellipsis (…) it means a thought is unfinished. Leave it out of your message, you’ve already made up your mind.

4. Don’t answer the phone
When he notices that you’re not responding to his text responses in the way he thinks you should; he’ll try to hit you with his best mack voice. Whatever you do, do not answer the phone. It’s not in the plan. Hearing his voice will elicit sympathy and you can’t afford that right now.

5. Don’t answer any revealing questions
As a last resort, he may try to find out where you are so he can come see you in person. Absolutely not! Don’t disclose your location or any other information that would lead him to you. Seeing the day of a text message break up is not good for the mission.